Press release: GRCC alumnus to compete on CW’s ‘Capture’

July 23, 2013 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A Grand Rapids Community College alumnus will compete for scarce resources — and fame — as a contestant on “Capture,” which premieres July 30 on the CW.

James Wallington, who received an associate degree in arts from GRCC in 2009, now lives in Hollywood. He and his sister, Rebecca Wallington, are the Lime Team on the reality show, which is being compared to the Hunger Games book trilogy. They will compete for a $250,000 prize.

“James was a hard-working student who took acting class seriously, but what I remember most about him was his million megawatt smile and his nickname — ‘Hollywood’ — that dates back to his high school days (at Forest Hills Central),” said Tom Kaechele, GRCC’s theater program director. “This has to be a major moment in James’ life because he was always a huge reality TV fan!”

Mr. Wallington said he has wonderful memories of his time at GRCC and credits his instructors for encouraging him in his pursuits.

“I can’t thank the faculty and staff of GRCC enough for pushing me in the right direction and encouraging me to pursue my dreams,” Mr. Wallington said. “Every time I visit home, I appreciate Grand Rapids more for what it has to offer. It’s a city filled with hard-working and passionate individuals. I’m most thankful for the performing opportunities I had at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre. It was a wonderful community to have been a part of and I’m nothing but proud to say I’m from Grand Rapids.”

In addition to theater productions, Mr. Wallington was a student employee for GRCC’s staff development department. He has performed at Universal Studios Hollywood, coordinated red carpet events and hosted shows on AfterBuzzTV.com since January.

Grand Rapids Community College, established in 1914, offers opportunities for more than 30,000 students annually in degree courses, certification and training programs, workshops and personal enrichment classes. GRCC holds classes on the downtown Grand Rapids campus as well as several locations throughout Kent and Ottawa counties.